i was behind a paper, coffee in hand,
and the chief on my wavy lips
when i noticed the half naked girl
walk past me without makeup

i followed her with my eyes

she poured herself some coffee
into a mug with a picture of mickey mouse
and sat down next to me
resting her right hand on my leg

i pretended not to smile
and she resisted explaining
how happy she was

i sat and listened to the muffled melodies of traffic
looking into her closing eyes
ready for the morning and the years ahead
of misunderstandings, maddening sex,
and silent moments of real love